Highly contagious dog flu has local vets concerned

Two cases of a dog flu virus has been confirmed in Knoxville area.
UTC Veterinary Medicine Virology Laboratory says this particular strain was first reported in Chicago a few years ago.
And now is making it’s way through the southeast.

The latest reported case of the dog flu came from a boarding facility.
And that dog was exposed to another, that came from a show in Georgia.
Our local vets are raising awareness and preparing their facilities.

A three-year old female hound mix was the latest victim of the dog flu.
The owner noticed the symptoms and brought her in to get checked out.

Animal Emergency Specialty Center Dr. Nikki Branam says that patient had, “the history of fever and I would describe it as excessive coughing. A long history of worsening cough.”

The hound needed I.V. fluids and was prescribed oral medication.
She is doing well and at home resting.
But, Dr. Jim Hammon Jr. CVJ, of Northgate Animal Hospital is worried.

“I’m more concerned because of the cases that are showing up close now and have confirmation of those cases.”

Symptoms are similar to ‘kennel cough’.
Like excessive coughing, sneezing and a fever.
Hammon says this dog flu spreads just like the human flu…through contact, eating out of the same bowl and sharing toys.
It’s the socially active dogs, we need to keep an eye on.

“That particular dog had been in a dog show in Georgia. So, the people that are traveling with their pets, going to field trials with the working dogs, the hunting dogs, going to the dog shows. Those pets definitely are much higher risk.”

The H3N2 influenza strain is generally not fatal, but highly contagious.
And good news, there is help.

Hammon says shots are available and you can get them through your veterinarian.
The flu can be contagious for up to three weeks.

Hammon says he and several diagnostic labs are stocking up on vaccines.
Getting these shots and isolating your pet is the best way to help prevent contracting the virus.

For more information:
https://www.avma.org/kb/resources/reference/pages/canine-influenza-backgrounder.aspx